Denver regional office negotiates rotation of pharmacy students

Health Care Financing Review, Winter, 1994

The Survey and Certification Review Branch (SCRB) of the Denver RO of HCFA is currently negotiating with the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy for an exchange of services. The RO currently has no pharmacist on staff and, due to staff reduction trends, does not anticipate being able to hire one.

Frequently, during survey activity, situations arise involving pharmaceutical issues which result in the citation of deficient practice against a facility or agency. Issues seem to be more and more complex, moving beyond simple administrative procedures to actual discussion of chemical makeup, interactions, and appropriateness of drugs. While qualified and trained to identify potential drug problems, in many cases registered nurse surveyors do not possess the pharmaceutical credentials or background to challenge physicians and pharmacists. This concern is heightened by the approaching implementation of the enforcement regulations.

During the initial meeting with the School of Pharmacy, HCFA delineated its need for professional consultation on pharmacy citations and for the training of Federal and Region VIII State surveyors on current pharmaceutical information. From this discussion came the idea to use the HCFA RO as a rotation site for the students in the School of Pharmacy. The rotation, which would last 6 weeks and include a registered pharmacist preceptor, would provide HCFA with the necessary expertise in the pharmacy area and provide students with an excellent exposure to the regulatory process.

By incorporating academia into the regional survey and training process, HCFA is confident that all the surveyors of the region will possess much more current and extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical issues and will have added support in the challenges that come with enforcement.

A proposal is being prepared for the School of Pharmacy and will be discussed with them shortly. HCFA is hopeful that the first rotation will begin in the spring.

For further information, contact Peggye Wilkerson at (303) 844-4721, extension 456.